Lifestyle in Beijing

The wealth of attractions and activities in Beijing for people of all backgrounds embodies the fact that it is a friendly city brimming with history and culture. As one of the world’s largest metropolitan centres, however, the levels of pollution in Beijing are also a characteristic feature and, in many cases, expats have trouble adjusting to the smog and grime.

Those who overcome the challenges of pollution and overcrowding will find that Beijing offers great shopping opportunities at malls and markets, vibrant nightlife, and highly anticipated annual events at a range of exciting entertainment venues. It also offers delicious local and international dining options, world class sports facilities and even natural beauty.

Shopping in Beijing

There are endless options for good shopping in Beijing, whether one is on the prowl for high-end products or cheap market items. Large malls and department stores are dotted around the city, while markets are ever-popular attractions throughout Beijing’s suburbs.

Wangfujing is arguably the most famous shopping street in Beijing, and expats are likely to find almost anything they’re looking for there, from international fashion brands to local Chinese trinkets and electronic goods. Other prominent shopping districts include Xidan Commercial Street and Sanlitun Village.

Nightlife in Beijing

The nightlife scene in Beijing is vibrant and extensive, offering a wide selection of clubs, karaoke bars and cocktail lounges catering to a variety of tastes. Many expats in Beijing are drawn to the lakeside Houhai Bar Area as well as the foreigner-friendly establishments in Sanlitun. Gathering some friends and taking part in some good old Chinese karaoke always makes for an interesting and humorous night out, and is an obligatory initiation for many new arrivals.

Expats with more cultured tastes can also enjoy traditional performances at places like the Beijing Opera as well as venues such as the Lao She Tea House, which provides foreigners with an opportunity to enjoy traditional Chinese tea culture in a relaxed setting.

Outdoor activities in Beijing

Although the government occasionally issues warnings to limit the amount of time spent outside on days with high levels of air pollution, expats will have access to a variety of outdoor activities in Beijing. Hiking along the Great Wall is a popular pastime, with different sections offering distinct surroundings and a unique experience.

The city also enjoys a selection of traditional leisure activities, often centred on the city’s parks, such as kite flying, Mahjong and Tai Chi. There are parks all over the city, with some of the most popular including the Beihai Park’s ornamental gardens and lake, the vast lawns and rollercoaster at Chaoyang Park, as well as the Ditan Park’s old-world charm.

Another popular attraction is the Beijing World Park. Built with the idea of enabling visitors to see the world without leaving Beijing, the park is situated in the city’s southwest and offers its 1.5 million annual visitors a chance to see replicas of the Statue of Liberty, the Giza Pyramids and the Venus de Milo amid a wealth of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

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